Some large-scale research programmes could collapse because of cutbacks in the estimates, according to a group that represents scientific researchers. Third-level institutions may not be able to meet contractual agreements because of undefined delays in spending, the group's spokesman has claimed.
Spending cuts in the Department of Education and Science's Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) mean that money promised in the third round of awards cannot now be met, said Dr Donal Leech, chairman of the Irish Research Scientists' Association.
The Minister, Mr Dempsey, said last Thursday there would be a "pause" in capital funding.
Cycle III of the programme agreed late in 2001 announced funding worth €320 million for 11 third-level institutions. Of this €178 million was capital expenditure and €142 million was recurrent expenditure.
Researchers had already been hired on the basis of agreed funding, but many would now be unable to work without essential capital grants for specialised equipment and lab facilities, Dr Leech said.
"This has caused frustration because the staff were hired under PRTLI cycle III on the understanding that capital spending would come," he said. "Some of the research programmes cannot be met until capital expenditure is forthcoming.
"Certainly there are some very unhappy people" in the labs, according to Dr Leech, a chemist at NUI Galway. "Some of the programmes will obviously have to be reorganised. Their plans will not now be achievable."
He called on the Government to meet all commitments made under the cycle III awards.
A Higher Education Authority spokesman said yesterday he could not comment in a substantive way because the HEA was involved in ongoing discussions with the Department about the spending pause.
A source in the authority expressed alarm at the decision, however. "If this is long term, this is serious."